Govt announces draft notification to regulate pet shops

Dave says that violations of the pet shop rules will not be tolerated and people who violate law will be penalised heavily

In a bid to regulate pet shops all across the country, the Environment Ministry on Friday floated a draft notification making it mandatory for their proprietors to get the establishment registered with the state animal welfare boards of the respective states.

Announcing the notification for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2016, Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said this was meant to regulate pet shops — an area that was uncontrolled.

"The objective of these rules is to make pet shops accountable and to prevent cruelty inflicted on animals kept in such pet shops. Pet shops will be registered only after inspection by the representatives of state animal welfare board, a veterinary practitioner and a representative of Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals," he told reporters.

"We have put this notification in the public domain for suggestions from all the stakeholders and the states on it," Dave said.

He said that the rules define space requirement for birds, cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pig, hamster, rats and mice in the pet shops.

Dave warned that violations of the pet shop rules will not be tolerated and people who violate law will be penalised heavily.

"Non-compliance of the proposed rules will lead to cancellation of registration of pet shop and pet animals so confiscated, shall be handed over to an animal welfare organisation, or a rescue centre recognised by the board," the minister said.

He added under the pet shop rules, every pet shop owner will be required to submit yearly report to the state Animal Welfare Board regarding animals sold, traded, bartered, brokered, given away, boarded or exhibited during the previous year.